The Sun says the Gunners had hoped to persuade their captain to agree a lucrative new three-year deal worth £130,000 a week that would see off interest from champions Manchester City and keep him at the Emirates.

But yesterday’s talks, which have been described as tense and tetchy, broke down with no agreement.

Fears are now mounting that Van Persie could be tempted by a move from Arsenal to the Etihad, with City desperate to land the Premier League’s top star.